Fighting for Patients: Dr. Rebecca Shatsky on Insurance, Burnout, and Hope in MBC
Dr. Rebecca Shatsky, Director of Breast Medical Oncology at UC San Diego, shares her experiences fighting for patients with breast cancer. In this episode, Dr. Shatsky discusses the growing challenges clinicians face—from insurance denials and funding cuts to the emotional toll of burnout and the spread of cancer misinformation.
Hear real stories about advocating for life-saving treatments, navigating the complexities of clinical trials, and the importance of patient empowerment. Dr. Shatsky also offers hope, highlighting the latest breakthroughs in metastatic breast cancer research and the progress being made in treatment options.
Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode delivers candid insights, practical advice, and a message of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
Podcasters Roundtable: Samira Daswani, Host of The Patient from Hell
In this episode, hosts Victoria Goldberg and Abigail Johnston sit down with Samira Daswani, host of "The Patient From Hell" podcast, for a candid and insightful conversation about patient advocacy, storytelling, and the evolving landscape of cancer care. Samira shares her path from reluctant podcast guest to passionate host, highlighting the importance of amplifying patient voices and democratizing information for those navigating cancer diagnoses—especially in communities where open discussion is rare.
The discussion delves into the challenges of reaching diverse audiences, the power of authentic, minimally edited conversations, and the need for both scientific and personal perspectives in patient-centered content. The trio reflects on the shifting attitudes in cancer communities, the critical role of support networks, and the ongoing mission to educate and empower patients worldwide. The episode wraps up with ideas for future collaborations and a shared commitment to making a meaningful impact through storytelling and advocacy.
Future at Risk: Protecting Research, Protecting Lives
What if the decades of progress against cancer — the breakthroughs, the rising survival rates, the new vaccines and cutting‑edge therapies — were suddenly put in jeopardy? Five decades after the “war on cancer” began, the hard‑won momentum now faces existential threats: canceled grants and clinical trials, proposals to slash the NCI budget, and an unprecedented politicization of biomedical research funding.
Victoria Goldberg is joined by Pam Traxel, Senior Vice President at the American Cancer Society and a lifelong patient advocate.
Future at Risk: About Us, MBC, and the Role of Research
In this powerful panel episode, hosts Victoria Goldberg and Abigail Johnston are joined by Dr. Jill Tirabassi and Alexis Desai—each bringing their unique perspective as patients, advocates, and experts living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Together, they share personal stories about navigating diagnosis, the critical role of research in extending lives, and the real-world challenges of accessing clinical trials.
The conversation dives deep into why research funding matters, how advocacy can drive change, and the urgent need for patient-centered care. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or ally, this episode offers insight, hope, and a call to action for everyone invested in the future of cancer research.
Tune in to hear firsthand experiences, learn about the latest advocacy efforts, and discover how you can help move the needle for those living with MBC.